Srihari L dominates 17th Tamil Nadu IM-norm Closed Circuit 2024, Sai Vishwesh third
Srihari L scored an unbeaten 8/9 to win 17th Tamil Nadu IM-norm Closed Circuit Chess Tournament 2024. He also earned his third IM-norm in the process and became India's latest International Master. The teenager performed at 2584, gained 40.2 Elo rating points and finished a staggering 2.5 points ahead of others. Winner of the last two editions - IM Anton Sitnikov (UKR) and Sai Vishwesh C scored 5.5/9 each. They secured second and third place respectively according to tie-breaks. The six-day ten-player round-robin tournament was organized by and at Chettinadu Public School and Sivagangai District Chess Association in Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu from 6th to 11th February 2024. Tournament Coordinator - IA FI M Ephrame writes the tournament report. Photos: IA FI M Ephrame
Srihari scores his final IM-norm, reaches 2400 and becomes an IM
Srihari L of Pondicherry won the 17th Tamil Nadu IM-norm Closed Circuit Chess Tournament with a score of 8/9. IM Anton Sitnikov (UKR) and Sai Vishwesh C of Chennai scored 5.5 points each, but better tie-break helped Sitnikov finish at second place, Sai Vishwesh got third place. The tournament was organised by Chettinadu Public School and Sivagangai District Chess Association at Chettinadu Public School premises. from 6th to 11th February 2024.
The tournament was inaugurated by Mrs. Usha Kumari, Principal, Chettinadu Public School, Karaikudi in the presence of Mr. M Ephrame, Vice President, Tamil Nadu State Chess Association, Mr. Vijayaraghavan, Vice President, Tamil Nadu State Chess Association, Mr. Kannan, Joint Secretary, Tamil Nadu State Chess Association and Mrs. Prema Chithra, Vice Principal, Chettinadu Public School.
Mr. S P Kumaresan, Chairman, Chettinadu Public School, Managiri, Karaikudi, distributed the prizes to the winners.
Grandmaster Pranesh M was felicitated by Principal Mrs.Usha Kumari
Srihari overcomes overprotection by IM Olivier Touzane (FRA)
IM David Gochelashvili (RUS) blundered when his opponent Vrashank Chouhan was in time trouble.
IM Anton Sitnikov won the title in 15th & 16th IM-norm Closed Circuit tournaments at Tirunelveli and Nagercoil (Kanyakumari) consecutively but failed to capitalize here. The Ukraine IM Anton informed that his Russian girlfriend Evgeniya Zakharova helped him to prepare a lot during the Tirunelveli and Nagercoil tournaments and got rewarded. Further he added that he had to sacrifice a wonderful site seeing program in Kanyakumari because of his chess preparation while other players enjoyed a lot. Since she was busy with her work, she couldn’t help him during the 17th Karaikudi tournament. Moreover, he added that she is the one who is motivating him in chess. Evgeniya is an 1882 Elo rated player from Russia who is behind Anton's success. Anton too helped her a lot during IPCA world championship 2023.
Replay all games
Final standings
| Rk. | SNo | Name | FED | Rtg | Pts. | TB1 | TB2 | TB3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4 | Srihari, L | IND | 2360 | 8 | 0 | 32,25 | 7 | |
| 2 | 1 | IM | Sitnikov, Anton | UKR | 2362 | 5,5 | 0,5 | 23,75 | 2 |
| 3 | 3 | Sai, Vishwesh.C | IND | 2201 | 5,5 | 0,5 | 19,50 | 4 | |
| 4 | 5 | IM | Sai Agni Jeevitesh, J | IND | 2309 | 5 | 0,5 | 19,50 | 3 |
| 5 | 9 | Vrashank, Chouhan | IND | 2176 | 5 | 0,5 | 19,00 | 4 | |
| 6 | 6 | Lokesh, N. | IND | 2217 | 4 | 0 | 16,75 | 2 | |
| 7 | 7 | IM | Buscara, Sevan | FRA | 2256 | 3,5 | 0,5 | 13,75 | 1 |
| 8 | 10 | IM | Gochelashvili, David | RUS | 2225 | 3,5 | 0,5 | 13,00 | 2 |
| 9 | 2 | IM | Touzane, Olivier | FRA | 2084 | 3 | 0 | 10,50 | 2 |
| 10 | 8 | Hemanth, Raam | IND | 2268 | 2 | 0 | 9,00 | 0 |
About the Author
M Ephrame is a Category A level International Arbiter, FIDE Instructor and Vice President of Tamil Nadu State Chess Association. He was also the Tournament Coordinator for the 17th Tamil Nadu IM-norm Closed Circuit Chess Tournament 2024.
The report was edited by Shahid Ahmed
